The MV Discovery cruise ship due to depart from Liverpool today had to be brought in for a deep clean after passengers became ill.

The 700-berth MV Discovery was on a round Great Britain cruise last week when several couples were struck down by a stomach bug resulting in the Port Health Authority being called in.

The Discovery is due in Liverpool today and was expected to embark for a Norwegian cruise at 6.30pm, but that has been delayed until 10.30pm while a deep clean is carried out.

Cruise liner MV Discovery

Passenger John Boothroyd, 78, from Halewood was informed of the situation by telephone.

He said: "I was on a ship which had norovirus and in the end it took four days to clean it, so I cannot see how four hours will help.

"We were told that we had to stay in our cabins to contain it. We were treated like lepers. So when I was told about this I asked for my money back and was told: ‘No way’

"But it’s £2,000 so I will just have to take my chances."

Paul Foster, speaking on behalf of Cruise and Maritime Voyages, said: "We had a few people on the round Great Britain cruise that suffered gastroenteritis. There were only two couples who had it really badly.

"It’s one of those things that are brought on board by passengers. I always say a ship cannot get a sore throat.

"But the Port Health Authority has been informed and we will have senior people there to make sure the deep clean is carried out to our satisfaction. In our experience this is not just sufficient time for a deep clean, but exactly the amount of time needed.

"The delay will mean a slight adjustment to the itinerary so we will be missing the Shetland ponies at Lerwick but will be going to Kirkwall which is beautiful."

This is not the first time MV Discovery has run into troubles this year.

Her first trip for her new owners was cut short after she was impounded in Portland, Dorset, in March after Maritime & Coastal Agency inspectors ruled the crew were unfamiliar with safety procedures and her layout.